The Moss Stitch

Learning the Moss Stitch is a fantastic way to create a beautifully soft, lightweight fabric with incredible drape. Also known as the Linen Stitch or Granite Stitch, this simple stitch pattern alternates single crochets and chain spaces to produce a woven texture that looks much more intricate than it actually is. The Moss Stitch is perfect for blankets, scarves, shawls, washcloths, and garments because it creates a smooth, even fabric that is both sturdy and flexible. Once you settle into the repeat, you'll find it to be one of the most relaxing stitches to crochet.

Materials Needed

Your current project yarn: Any weight yarn works beautifully, though a smooth worsted weight yarn is ideal for practicing.

A matching hook: Use the hook size recommended on your yarn label.

Tapestry needle and scissors: For weaving in your ends when your project is complete.

The Stitch Breakdown

Before beginning the Moss Stitch, you'll need to know a few basic stitches.

Chain (ch): Yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.

Single Crochet (sc): Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through both loops.

Chain Space (ch-1 space): The opening created by working one chain between stitches. Future rows are worked into these spaces instead of the stitches themselves.

Step by Step Pattern : VIDEO

Foundation Chain

Chain an even number of stitches.

Work one single crochet into the fourth chain from your hook.

Chain 1.

*Skip the next chain.

Work one single crochet into the following chain.

Chain 1.*

Repeat from to across the row.

Skip the final chain and work one single crochet into the last chain.

Turn your work.

Row 1: Establishing the Pattern

Chain 2.

Work one single crochet into the first chain-1 space.

Chain 1.

*Skip the next single crochet.

Work one single crochet into the next chain-1 space.

Chain 1.*

Repeat from to across the row.

Work one single crochet into the turning chain at the end of the row.

Turn.

Continue the Pattern

Repeat Row 1 until your project reaches the desired length.

As you continue crocheting, the alternating chain spaces and single crochets will create the signature woven texture that makes the Moss Stitch so popular.

Finding Your Rhythm

The secret to the Moss Stitch is remembering that every single crochet is worked into a chain space, never into the single crochet from the previous row. Once you begin looking for the chain spaces instead of the stitches, the pattern becomes incredibly easy to follow.

Because this stitch uses only single crochet and chains, it works up into a fabric with beautiful drape while using less yarn than many textured stitches. The simple repeat also makes it an excellent project for relaxing at the end of the day, listening to a podcast, or enjoying a favorite show.

Whether you're making a cozy blanket, a lightweight scarf, or your next favorite shawl, the Moss Stitch is a timeless pattern you'll return to again and again.

Happy crocheting!